After a successful soft opening, Mad Brews Coffee is officially rolling out the red carpet. Featuring a variety of brewed coffee drinks – and a philanthropic approach to business – Mad Brews is located on Johnson Avenue in the former Subway location.
“We’re kind of tucked away behind Harrison County Bank and Dan Cava,” said owner Melissa Hurst.
A Bridgeport resident and owner of Madman Barber Shop, Hurst said opening a coffee shop has been a longtime aspiration.
“It’s been a dream of mine – something in the back of my head – and then the opportunity presented itself,” she said. “I live on this end of town, so having a coffee shop here is convenient for me, and I thought perhaps other people would feel the same way.”It’s also a good opportunity, Hurst said, to provide her children with a good work ethic and let them be involved.
The “MAD” in Mad Brews and Madman Barber stands for “make a difference,” and Hurst firmly stands behind that in the operation of her businesses.
“I very much want to make a difference in our community, including how I’m buying the beans and where they’re sourced from,” she said.
Those coffee beans come from the renowned De Fer Coffee in Pittsburgh, where they are roasted fresh.
“They go to farms, meet the families, and are very careful about how they determine who they choose and make sure there is absolutely no child labor involved,” Hurst said. “That is important to me, as is the taste. Using our new awesome roaster and these beans makes great coffee. The price is a smidge higher, but the packaging is eco-friendly and the coffee is sourced from good places.
A percentage of every bag of coffee beans she purchases is donated to a charity for single moms and/or the education of children. Hurst said she chose The Tim Tebow Foundation as her charity.
Among other drinks, Mad Brews serves up Espresso, Macchiato, Cappuccino, Mocha, Matcha Latte, Chai Latte, hot chocolate, loose leaf teas, frozen specialties and drip coffee.
Hurst said she has been pleased by how Mad Brews has been received, the feedback received and the word-of-mouth advertising.
“People have been really great about taking and posting pictures and a picture is worth a thousand words,” she said.
In addition to a seating area, Mad Brews has a drive-through that has been quite popular, Hurst said.
This coming week, Mad Brews Coffee will expand hours and be open 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Located next to Mad Brews is Mad Man Barber, which relocated from East Main Street in February.
“I have a new barber and she’s awesome barber and cosmetologist and is doing all the boys’ perms and fluffy hair they are asking for,” Hurst said. “She is also doing hot lather shaves.”
Editor’s Note: Pictured on the cover is Owner Melissa Hurts, right, with members of her staff at Mad Brews Coffee.